HUNTING REGULATIONS FLORIDA. Valid from July 1, June 30, 2011

Transcription

1 FLORIDA Specific wildife management area regulations are not covered in this handbook. HUNTING REGULATIONS Valid from July 1, June 30, 2011 Commissioners' message FWC regional offices Introduction - Resident game birds, mammals and migratory birds - Waterfowl and other migratory game bird regulations - Major changes - Wildlife Alert Reward Program License and permit requirements - License and permit fees - License and permit exemptions - Lifetime licenses Hunter safety requirement - Hunter safety course - Hunter Safety Deferral Mentoring Exemption - Children and firearms Florida law - Youth Hunting Program Taking Game - Legal methods of taking game - Prohibited methods and equipment for taking game - Areas closed to hunting - Antlerless deer permits private lands General information - Deer, elk and moose carcass transportation regulations - Wild hogs - Trespassing - Use of firearms by felons - Shooting hours - Hunter orange requirement - Hunting dogs - Statewide deer-dog registration - Feeding game - Buying or selling game - Sex evidence - Dividing carcasses - Transport of game - Littering - Motor vehicles - Use of structures on vehicles - Tree stands - Permanent duck blinds Florida Buck Registry Furbearer hunting regulations - Commercial furbearer requirements Falconry Florida Wild Turkey Registry Hunting season dates and bag limits - Hunting zones Nongame wildlife regulations - Birds - Unprotected birds and mammals - Frogs - Turtles - Snakes Public hunting areas - Northwest Region - North Central Region - Northeast Region - Southwest Region - South Region Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Program Wildlife Management Area - Permit requirements - Regulation changes - Public small-game hunting areas (SGA) - Hunting Florida s military bases - Hunting Florida s national wildlife refuges (NWR) Quota and Limited Entry Hunts - Quota permits - Guest permits for quota permits - Worksheets - Quota permit exemptions - Anterless deer permits -- WMAs - Recreational Use - Limited Entry Hunts -- Application Periods - Special-opportunity hunts - Dove hunters online updates - Alligator hunting adventure

2 Commissioner's Message Setting priorities and mobilizing FWC resources Managing Florida s fish and wildlife requires talent, drive, wisdom, commitment and countless other qualities in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission s 2,000 employees. It also takes public input and the best available science. The FWC s structure calls for its seven-memberboard of commissioners to set priorities and mobilize its resources. Each level of management and every employee takes that guidance and addresses the situations at hand. The process sounds simple and straightforward, but priorities and scientific realities change constantly, and available resources fluctuate amid economic challenges and new environmental developments. Florida long ago passed the days when nature could bind its own wounds. Conservation is in the hands of people in the public and private sectors who are motivated to take up the cause. It always will be. Habitat and species management plans are critical to our long-term success. However, size restrictions, bag limits and other regulations are among the tools we can use to ensure future generations share our rich natural heritage. This Commission has an underlying philosophy that regulations must not be more restrictive than necessary to conserve the abundant fish and wildlife that enrich our enviable Florida lifestyle. These regulations reflect the science, public input and all the other factors that determine how much pressure we Floridians may place on our resources, at this time, without placing them at risk. As conditions change, the regulations will change as well, and deciding what the changes should be is a responsibility this Commission and all its employees are proud and honored to carry. At the same time, we realize the FWC is but a spearhead for the army of individuals and institutions who band together to ensure an enduring natural legacy. We encourage everyone to Get Outdoors Florida! and enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature in our wonderfully diverse state. Thanks to the stewardship of generations who lived here before us, opportunities are boundless. And while you re at it, take a kid with you. This is their Florida too, and they will be happier, healthier and even smarter for it. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Farris Bryant Building Tallahassee, FL (850) (800) TDD NORTHWEST Commissioners Rodney Barreto Chairman, Miami Richard A. Corbett Vice Chairman, Tampa Kathy Barco Jacksonville FWC regional offices Northwest region 3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL (850) North Central region 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 Lake City, FL (386) NORTH CENTRAL NORTHEAST Ronald M. Bergeron Ft. Lauderdale Dwight Stephenson Delray Beach Northeast region 1239 Southwest 10th Street Ocala, FL (352) SOUTHWEST Kenneth W. Wright Winter Park Brian S. Yablonski Tallahassee Staff Nick Wiley Executive Director Greg Holder Assistant Executive Director Southwest region 3900 Drane Field Road Lakeland, FL (863) South region 8535 Northlake Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL (561) SOUTH

3 INTRODUCTION Major changes Introduction This publication is provided as a guide to Florida hunting laws and regulations; however, the Florida Wildlife Code is the fnal authority on hunting laws. The Florida Wildlife Code, Chapter 68A of the Florida Administrative Code, can be obtained at The FWC strives to ensure the information in this publication is accurate but assumes no liability for typographical errors that may occur. If you have questions regarding hunting laws and regulations, contact a FWC regional offce (see page 4). This publication is valid from July 1, 2010 through June 30, Resident game birds, mammals and migratory birds Resident game birds quail and wild turkeys Resident game mammals deer, gray squirrels and rabbits Furbearers bobcats, otters, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, beavers, skunks and nutrias Migratory game birds ducks, geese, common moorhens, coots, snipe, rails, woodcocks, mourning doves and white-winged doves Protected mammals Florida black bears, fox squirrels and Florida panthers cannot be taken or pursued. Waterfowl and other migratory game bird regulations Migratory game bird and crow regulations are not included in this booklet. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for determining guidelines to take and possess migratory bird species. The USFWS had not fnalized this season s rules and regulations at the time this publication went to press. Migratory game bird seasons, bag limits and methods of taking can be obtained in two separate FWC brochures titled Migratory Bird Regulations for Dove, Snipe, Woodcock, Rail, Moorhen, Crow and Early Waterfowl Seasons (available in mid-september) and Migratory Game Bird Regulations for Waterfowl and Coot Seasons (available in mid-october). For additional information on federal hunt-ing regulations or violations, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents: Ft. Myers (239) ; Groveland (352) ; Tallahassee (850) ext ; or Vero Beach (772) ext. 267 or visit For more information about Florida s waterfowl conservation and management, visit MyFWC.com/duck. Wildlife Alert Reward Program The residents of Florida have an opportunity to help protect our state s fish and wildlife from poaching and wildlife violations and to help protect each other from boaters who are operating boats under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It s called Wildlife Alert, and everyone who has access to a telephone or the Internet can participate in this important effort. Wildlife Alert is a reward-based program created in 1979 to increase resident participa-tion in apprehending those who violate Florida s fish and wildlife laws. The program is administered by a 13- member committee appointed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission s executive director. This committee oversees direction of the program and directs the reward payment schedule. Through the program, alert residents become the eyes and ears of fish and wildlife law enforcement officers and are rewarded for their efforts. Many times residents calls are the only way law enforcement officers find out about some violations. Callers can report any suspicious activity, supplying information such as the physical descriptions of violators, vehicles, license tag numbers, locations, etc. They should report it as soon as possible, but they should not put themselves in any dangerous situation. Callers reporting potential violators do not have to give their names or addresses. They remain anonymous and will not be required to testify in court. To make an anonymous phone call to report fish and wildlife violations, call or visit MyFWC.com/law/alert/. Major regulation and rule changes for this season are listed below. There are many other changes not listed here. Hunters are responsible for learning requirements and regulations pertaining to the types of hunting they pursue. Effective July 1, 2010 hunters must possess an annual $5 deer permit as well as a hunting license and other permits as appropriate to hunt deer on private and public lands. In addi-tion, permit fees also will increase for the state waterfowl permit, resident and nonresident turkey permit and wildlife management area permit. New deer hunting zone boundaries have been established. The bound-ary that previously separated the Northwest Hunting Zone from the Central Zone has been moved west. In addition, a new zone has been cre-ated, made up in part by the Green Swamp Basin. All hunting zones have been renamed. Season dates for hunting deer have been changed on private lands (see pages 20 21), the Kissim-mee River Public Use Area and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area. Five new public hunting areas have been established: Fort White Mitigation Park (1,290 acres in Gilchrist County), Lafayette Forest Wildlife Environmental Area (2,148 acres in Lafayette County), Charles H. Bronson Wildlife Manage-ment Area (9,754 acres in Orange and Seminole counties), Marshall Swamp Wildlife Management Area (6,445 acres in Marion County) and Watermelon Pond Wildlife Environ-mental Area (4,231 acres in Alachua County). See wildlife management area summaries on pages for hunting opportunities on these areas. A two-day youth turkey season has been established the weekend prior to the opening of spring turkey season in each hunting zone.

4 Licenses and Permits License and permit requirements You may obtain a replacement license or permit at all locations that sell hunting and fishing licenses and permits; tax collectors' offices; license agents; by calling toll-free HUNT FLORIDA ( ); or at For purposes of hunting in Florida, "resident" is defined as anyone having lived in Florida for six continuous months prior to applying for licenses and who claims Florida as their primary residence. Active duty military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent children residing in their households, are considered residents when purchasing hunting licenses regardless of how long they have lived in the state. Hunting licenses and permits and the Federal Duck Stamp may be obtained at county tax collectors offices and license agents, at or by calling HUNT FLORIDA ( ). Obtaining licenses and permits constitutes acceptance of all provisions therein. Except as noted under License and Permit Exemptions, the following are required when hunting specific seasons or species: A hunting license is required when hunting game animals and furbearers. When hunting certain species or during specific seasons, additional permits also are required. Please see the Florida Hunting Season Dates for more information. Wild hogs on private property are not considered game animals, therefore, no license or permit is required to hunt or trap them. Waterfowl: Federal duck stamp, Florida waterfowl permit and migratory bird permit is required, in addition to hunting license, when taking or attempting to take ducks and geese. Florida waterfowl permit is included with lifetime sportsman s, lifetime hunting,sportsman s 64 or older, gold sportsman s, military gold sportsman s or sportsman s licenses; however, migratory bird permit and federal duck stamp are not included and must be obtained separately. Migratory birds: Migratory bird permit (no cost) is required, in addition to hunting license, when taking or attempting to take ducks, geese, brants, coots, gallinules, rails, snipes, woodcocks, mourning doves and white-winged doves. When obtaining the permit, you will be asked a few questions about last season s harvest numbers. Your answers help improve accuracy of harvest data used in managing migratory bird populations. Lifetime and five-year license holders must obtain the permit annually from license agents, county tax collectors offices, or by calling toll-free, HUNT FLORIDA ( ) when taking or attempting to take migratory game birds. Permit is valid from Sept. 1 through March 31. A migratory bird permit is not required to take crows. Wildlife management areas: Management area permit is required, in addition to hunting license, when taking or attempting to take wildlife on wildlife management areas or wildlife and environmental areas, except on Eglin, Avon Park and Tyndall military bases, Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area and Kissimmee River Public Use Area. A management area permit is included with lifetime sportsman s, lifetime hunting, sportsman s 64 or older, gold sportsman s, military gold sportsman s and sportsman s licenses; recreational use permits; and special-opportunity permits (when hunting during specialopportunity hunts). Some wildlife management areas may require a no-cost quota permit for some seasons. Recreational use permit: Recreational use permit is required, in addition to hunting license, when accessing those wildlife management areas enrolled in the Recreational Use Program. The permit enables the permit holder and one dependent child (under age 16) to hunt on a specific wildlife management area. Permit holders and their spouses or dependent children may also engage in recreational activities, except hunting, on the designated wildlife management area. These permits may be used as management area permits when hunting public lands not under the Recreational Use Program.

5 License and permit fees Licenses, permits and issuance fees are subject to change pending the 2010 legislative session. In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents charge a 50-cent issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. For up-to-date license information, visit MyFWC.com/license. Hunters may use credit cards to purchase licenses and permits 24 hours a day at or by calling tollfree, HUNT-FLORIDA ( ). This enables hunters to obtain immediate license privileges. Processing fees will apply on all Internet and telephone sales. License sales are nonrefundable. License and permit exemptions Exemptions from hunting licenses, Florida waterfowl permits, turkey permits, management area permits, archery permits, crossbow permits, muzzleloading gun permits and migratory bird permits are: Persons hunting in their county of residence on their homestead or homestead of their spouse or minor child; or minor child hunting on the homestead of their parents. Florida residents age 65 or older possessing proof of age and residency or a Florida Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate. Residents age 65 or older may obtain complimentary hunting and fishing certificates at county tax collectors offices. Florida residents possessing Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificates. Applications for these certificates are available at county tax collectors offices or visit MyFWC.com/ada. Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Services not stationed in Florida, while home on leave with orders for 30 days or less. Children under age 16 (also exempt from federal duck stamps). Lifetime licenses Lifetime licenses are available to Florida residents for hunting and freshwater and saltwater fishing. Funds generated from sales of these licenses are invested, creating an endowment to support long-term conservation of Florida s fish and wildlife resources. Costs of lifetime licenses are less than what would be spent on annual licenses, permits and fees, and are valid in Florida even if you move out of state. For more information, contact your county tax collectors office.

6 Resident Hunting Licenses Annual Sportsman s License Includes hunting, freshwater fishing and permits for wildlife management area, archery, crossbow, $80.50 muzzleloading gun, deer, turkey and Florida waterfowl. Annual Gold Sportsman s License Includes all licenses and permits in the Sportsman s License plus saltwater fishing, crawfish and snook permits. $ Annual Military Gold Sportsman s License* Includes all licenses and permits in the Gold Sportsman s License; restricted to Florida residents who are active $20.00 or retired military; available only at tax collectors' offices. Annual 64 or Older Hunting and Fishing Includes freshwater fishing and hunting licenses; and wildlife management area, archery, crossbow, $13.50 muzzleloading gun, deer, turkey, migratory bird and Florida waterfowl permits. Five-Year Hunting (no permits included) $79.00 Annual Hunting $17.00 Annual Hunting/Freshwater Fishing $32.50 Annual Hunting/Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing $48.00 Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate (65 or older) Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate No Cost No Cost * Available only to Florida residents who are active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve); upon submission of a cur-rent military identification card and military orders showing you are stationed in Florida or a Florida Drivers License. This license can only be purchased at county tax collectors offices. Nonresident hunting licenses Annual Hunting $ Day Hunting Permits Annual Five-year (residents only) Management Area $26.50 $ Archery $5.00 $25.00 Crossbow $5.00 $25.00 Muzzleloading Gun $5.00 $25.00 Resident Turkey $10.00 $25.00 Nonresident Turkey $ Deer $5.00 $25.00 Florida Waterfowl $5.00 $25.00 Migratory Bird No Cost Federal Duck Stamp $17.50 Trapping License $26.50 Lifetime Sportsman s License Lifetime Hunting License Includes hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses; Includes hunting license and management area, archery, and management area, archery, crossbow, muzzleloading crossbow, muzzleloading gun, deer, turkey and Florida gun, deer, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook and lobster waterfowl permits. permits. 4 years or younger $ years or younger $ years $ years $ years or older $ years or older $501.50

7 Hunter Safety Hunter safety requirement Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975 must complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a hunting license. Children under age 16 may hunt with adult supervision without having to take a hunter safety course. Persons 16 and older who have not completed a hunter safety course can use a one-time Mentoring Exemption allowing them to purchase a license and hunt within the supervision of a mentoring adult who has passed the hunter safety course and is at least 21 years old. Persons needing proof of course completion can print a duplicate certification card at MyFWC.com/huntersafety. Hunter safety course It makes no difference if you want to learn more about hunting, or if you have been hunting for years, you will find taking a free hunter safety class to be interesting and rewarding. Not only does hunter safety training decrease hunting accidents and fatalities, but it also increases compliance with hunting laws, improves ethics and enhances the image of hunters, especially with the non-hunting public. The course is so popular that 93 percent of non-hunters and 89 percent of active hunters, support safety training as a requirement for accessing the privilege to hunt. So join us by signing up for a course at MyFWC.com/huntersafety or contacting your regional hunter safety coordinator at an FWC regional office. Youth Hunting Program The FWC is seeking landowners, hunting clubs, volunteers and organizations to help grow the Youth Hunting Program of Florida. The program aims to provide quality hunting experiences for 12- to 17 year-olds to increase the number of youths involved in safe and responsible hunting. Landowners and hunting clubs are needed to help host weekend youth hunts, while volunteers are needed to be trained as huntmasters, hunter safety instructors, cooks or guides. Organizations also are being solicited to help sponsor this innovative program. Everyone born on or after June 1, 1975 must pass an approved hunter safety course before purchasing a Florida hunting license. The course is structured for students between the ages of 12 and 16. Students are encouraged to take the course before turning 16 and to avoid the fall rush by completing the course in the spring or summer. Florida s hunter safety course is accepted by all states requiring safe hunter certification. The FWC also offers a Bowhunter Safety Course for residents desiring to hunt in a state requiring bowhunter education certification. To learn more about these and other programs, visit us at MyFWC.com/huntersafety. Hunter Safety Deferral Mentoring Exemption Anyone 16 years or older and born on or after June 1, 1975 can hunt for one season under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter, 21 or older, without having to complete the state s hunter safety certification. Individuals taking advantage of this try-before-you-buy approach must complete a hunter safety class to be eligible to purchase their next hunting license. Hunters with a deferral, who pass the hunter safety training class before their hunter safety deferral license expires, may hunt without a supervisor provided they have a copy of their hunter safety card with the deferral license. Children and firearms Florida law Section states as follows: (3) A minor under 18 years of age cannot possess a firearm, other than an unloaded firearm at his or her home, unless: While introducing Florida s youth to the hunting tradition, the Youth Hunting Program also can benefit landowners by assisting them with their management of deer, hogs and other game species they want to control on their property. All the landowners or hunting clubs need to do is provide access to their land and the volunteers will do the rest. If you are a landowner or hunting club wishing to donate a weekend youth hunt on your property, an individual who can volunteer time and expertise in planning and leading youth hunts or an organization that can help sponsor this unique program, contact Youth Hunting Program of Florida at (850) For more information on how to get involved in Florida s Youth Hunting Program, visit MyFWC.com/YHPF. (a) The minor is engaged in a lawful hunting activity and is at least 16 years of age; or under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult. (b) The minor is engaged in a lawful marksmanship competition or practice or other lawful recreational shooting activity and is at least 16 years of age; or under 16 years of age and supervised by a parent or an adult who is acting with consent of minor s parent or guardian. (c) The firearm is unloaded and is being transported by the minor directly to or from an event authorized in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b). (4)(a) Parents or guardians of a minor or other adults responsible for welfare of a minor who knowingly and willfully permit the minor to possess a firearm in violation of subsection (1) commit a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s , s or s Section states in part as follows: (1) Requires that firearms be locked and/or stored in a secure manner to prevent minors from gaining access to them without parental permission and adult supervision. (3) As used in this act, the term minor means persons under age 16.

8 Taking Game Legal methods of taking game Definition of taking wildlife: Taking is defined to include taking, attempting to take, pursuing, hunting, harassing, capturing or killing any wildlife. Resident game birds and mammals: Rifles, shotguns, pistols, longbows, compound bows, recurve bows, crossbows and birds of prey (falcons, hawks and great horned owls) may be used. Longbows, compound bows, recurve bows and crossbows must have minimum draw weights of 35 pounds. Hand-held releases may be used. Arrows used to take deer, turkeys or hogs must be equipped with broadheads having at least two sharpened edges with minimum widths of 7/8inch. Nonmigratory game can be taken from stationary vehicles. Hunting deer with a muzzleloader: Muzzleloading guns firing single bullets must be at least.40-caliber. Muzzleloading guns firing two or more balls must be 20-gauge or larger. Migratory game birds: Shotguns (not larger than 10-gauge) plugged to a three-shell capacity including a one-piece filler that cannot be removed without disassembling the gun and are incapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined, birds of prey, bows and crossbows may be used. Prohibited methods and equipment for taking game Centerfire semi-automatic rifles having magazine capacities of more than five rounds Nonexpanding full metal case (military ball) ammunition for taking deer Firearms using rimfire cartridges for taking deer Rifles or pistols for taking migratory game birds Fully automatic or silencer-equipped firearms Explosive or drug-injecting arrows Taking or attempting to take game with live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial lights, nets, traps, snares, drugs or poisons Shooting from vehicles, powerboats or sailboats moving under power. Motors must be shut off or sails furled, and the vessel s progress must cease from such motor or sail before hunters may shoot wildlife. Herding or driving wildlife with vehicles, boats or aircraft Hunting turkeys with dogs Shooting turkeys while they are on the roost Taking migratory game birds over baited areas Taking turkeys over baited areas Taking turkeys when the hunter is within 100 yards of a game-feeding station when feed is present Taking spotted fawn deer or swimming deer Hunting with bows equipped with sights or aiming devices with electronic computational capabilities or light projection (laser) features during archery season Hunting resident game using bows and crossbows with draw weights less than 35 pounds Using dogs without collars that identify the owners name and address Using dogs on private lands without written landowner permission (see Statewide deer-dog registration on page 17) Taking game with modern firearms while hunting during archery, crossbow and muzzleloading gun season Placing, exposing or distributing soporific, anesthetic, tranquilizer, hypnotic or similar drugs or chemicals; preparation by baits; or by other means where game birds or game animals may be affected, unless authorized by permit from the FWC executive director Areas closed to hunting Taking or attempting to take wildlife is illegal on, upon or from rights-of-way of federal, state or county-maintained roads, whether paved or otherwise. Casting dogs from rights-of-way is considered attempting to take wildlife and constitutes violation of this regulation. The exception to this rule is amphibians or reptiles may be taken without the use of firearms from the above mentioned rights-of-way. Discharging firearms over paved public roads, rights-of-way, highways, streets or occupied premises is prohibited. Shooting or propelling potentially lethal projectiles over or across private land without authorization in order to take game is considered criminal trespassing and is a felony. Taking deer is prohibited by any method in the Florida Keys. Taking deer is illegal in that portion of Collier County lying south of I-75, west of S.R. 29, north of U.S. 41 and east of the western boundary of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Hunting is prohibited on most sanctuaries and parks. Antlerless deer permits private lands An antlerless deer permit is required to take antlerless deer on private lands during the crossbow, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons in accordance with the following conditions: A person who owns, leases or has written permission to take antlerless deer on at least 640 acres or not less than 150 acres, if the property is adjoining land already receiving antlerless deer permits, may apply for permits. A group with adjoining lands also may apply together provided the total combined acreage is at least 640 acres. Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the final day of general gun season in the hunting zone that the property is situated. Antlerless deer permit applications are available at an FWC regional office (see page 4) and MyFWC.com/hunting.

9 General Information Deer, elk and moose carcass transportation regulations It is illegal for persons to bring into the state or possess carcasses of any species of the family Cervidae (deer, elk and moose) from 18 states and two Canadian provinces where CWD has been detected. These areas are: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming and Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. For state-to-state CWD reports, visit cdw-info.org for the U.S. Department of Agriculture s Web site. Hunters still can bring back de-boned meat from any CWD-affected region, as well as finished taxidermy mounts, hides, skulls, antlers and teeth as long as all soft tissue has been removed. Whole, bone-in carcasses and parts are permitted to be brought back into Florida if they were harvested from non-affected CWD states. Shooting hours for resident game birds and game mammals One-half hour before sunrise to onehalf hour after sunset except when hunting turkeys during spring turkey season. Shooting hours during spring turkey season are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset and on WMAs, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. Wild hogs With landowners permission, wild hogs may be taken year-round with no bag limits, size limits or licenses required. Wild hogs can be taken on WMAs only during specified seasons, where bag and size limits may apply. For more information on hunting wild hogs on WMAs, consult the specific WMA brochure for the area you want to hunt. Diseases in wild hogs: Many wild hogs in Florida carry swine brucellosis a bacterial disease that also is infectious to people. People handling wild hog carcasses or raw hog meat should avoid eating, drinking or using tobacco when field-dressing or handling carcasses; use latex or rubber gloves when handling the carcass or raw meat; avoid direct contact with blood, reproductive organs and fecal matter; clean and disinfect knives, cleaning area, clothing and any other exposed surfaces when finished; and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Wild hogs also may carry pseudorabies. Although not a risk to people, the virus can be deadly to dogs that are exposed to it. For more information on swine brucellosis and pseudorabies, go to MyFWC.com/wildlifedisease. Trespassing The possession of a hunting license does not authorize a person to trespass onto private land. Obtain landowner s permission before entering private land. Trespassing while possessing firearms is a felony punishable by imprisonment up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000. For more information, contact an FWC regional office. The Florida Legislature created the Voluntary Authorized Hunter Identification Program. Landowners participating in this program notify the local sheriff s office and FWC to provide hunters with written authorization to use their property. Anyone found on properties enrolled in the program without landowners written authorization can be charged with trespassing. Shooting hours for migratory game birds One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except during first phase of dove season in which shooting hours are noon to sunset. For migratory game bird hunting regulations obtain the following brochures at your county tax collectors office or at MyFWC.com/hunting: Migratory Bird Regulations for Dove, Snipe, Woodcock, Rail, Moorhen, Crow and Early Waterfowl Seasons (available in mid-september) and Migratory Game Bird Regulations for Waterfowl and Coot Seasons (available in mid-october). Hunter orange requirement It is unlawful to hunt deer or to accompany another person hunting deer on public lands unless each person is wearing a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material as an outer garment. Such clothing must be worn above the waistline and can include a head covering. This rule does not apply during archery season. Use of firearms by felons It is illegal in Florida for convicted felons to possess firearms, including muzzleloading guns, unless the convicted felon has had his/her civil rights restored by the state's Clemency Board or the firearm qualifies as an antique firearm under Florida statute (1). Properly licensed convicted felons may hunt with bows, crossbows or antique firearms per Florida statute 790 during hunting seasons when such devices are legal for taking game. The 2005 Florida Statutes Title XLVI, Section, (1) states "Antique firearm means any firearm manufactured in or before 1918 (including any matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap or similar early type of ignition system) or replica thereof, whether actually manufactured before or after the year 1918, and also any firearm using fixed ammunition manufactured in or before 1918, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade." The fact that the firearm is an antique firearm is an affirmative defense that the defendant has the burden of alleging and proving. Williams v. State 482 So.2d 1051 (Fla 1986). Convicted felons should be cautious about being in a location where a firearm is present as they may be in constructive possession of that firearm. Constructive possession occurs when the person knows about the firearm and is in a position to exert dominion and control over that firearm. A felon who is riding in a truck with other hunters who have firearms with them may be in constructive possession of those firearms, depending on the circumstances.

10 Hunting dogs Dogs may be used as an aid in taking game mammals and game birds, unless otherwise prohibited. Persons owning or using dogs shall not knowingly or negligently permit such dogs to trail, pursue or otherwise molest game during closed seasons. While hunting during archery, crossbow or muzzleloading gun seasons, taking deer or wild hogs with dogs is prohibited. Dogs on leashes may be used to trail wounded game mammals during all seasons. Taking turkeys with dogs at any time is prohibited. Hunters, who use dogs for hunting, including bird dogs or retrievers, are required to have their dogs wear collars that identify their owners. This regulation also requires dog hunters to possess landowners written permission before using their dogs to pursue game on private property. On private land rabbit, raccoon, opossum, skunks, nutria, beavers, coyotes, hog or fox may be hunted year round with dogs. For more information, contact an FWC regional office. Deer dogs: Deer dogs can be trained during closed seasons when dogs are constantly attached to leashes or ropes in the hands of their trainers for training purposes. Deer dogs are permitted to run free for training purposes only during deer-dog training seasons. Taking deer or any other wildlife with a gun is prohibited while training deer dogs. Statewide deer-dog registration: Deer hunters using dogs on private properties in Florida must obtain a no-cost registration from the FWC. Registration requirements apply to the deer-dog training season and during any open deer hunting season when it is legal to take deer with dogs. Registration may be issued to landowners, hunting clubs or anyone having rights to hunt the property. Once a registration number has been issued, the unique number must be affixed or attached to collars of dogs used to hunt deer on registered properties. Hunters also must possess copies of the registration while hunting. To comply with the rule, deer-dog hunters on private lands must have registration numbers on their dogs collars; possess copies of the registration; and keep their dogs on registered properties. Applications are available at an FWC regional office, county tax collectors offices and MyFWC.com/hunting. Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the final day of general gun season in the hunting zone where the property is situated. Bird dogs: On private lands during closed seasons, bird dogs may be trained with pistols firing blanks or balls or by taking pen-raised quail (with shotguns only), when birds have been banded with owners names prior to releasing them. Training bird dogs is permitted during specified periods on Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb, J.W. Corbett, Blackwater, Apalachicola, Point Washington, Twin Rivers Blue Springs Unit, Cary and Citrus WMAs. Fox dogs: Foxes cannot be killed, but may be chased yearround with dogs (see Furbearer hunting regulations). Feeding game Taking game on lands or waters upon which corn, wheat, grain, food or other substances have been deposited by means other than normal agricultural harvesting or planting is prohibited, except as noted below. Resident game and wild hogs may be hunted in proximity of year-round game-feeding stations on private lands, provided the feeding station has been maintained with feed for at least six months prior to taking resident game. Wild turkey may not be taken if the hunter is less than 100 yards from a game feeding station when feed is present. The intentional placement of feed in a manner that is likely to create or creates a public nuisance by attracting black bears, foxes or raccoons is prohibited. In addition to normal agricultural harvesting or planting methods, mourning and white-winged doves may be hunted over agricultural crops that have been harvested or manipulated and over natural vegetation that has been manipulated. Buying or selling game Selling or purchasing game is prohibited except for penraised game produced on licensed game farms that are lawfully identified and handled. When lawfully harvested, nonprotected and resident game bird feathers, and the hides of deer, squirrels, rabbits and wild hogs may be sold. Sex evidence Positive evidence of sex identification, including the head, shall remain on deer taken or killed within the state and on all turkeys taken during any gobbler season when taking of turkey hens is prohibited, so long as such deer or turkey is kept in camp or forest or is en route to the domicile of its possessor or until such deer or turkey has been cooked or stored at the domicile of its possessor. Dividing carcasses Deer and turkeys may be dismembered in field or camp, however tags must be attached to each portion identifying names, addresses and hunting license numbers (if hunting licenses are required) of the persons who harvested them with date and location at which they were taken. These tags must be readily traceable to the portion of the animal bearing sex identification. On some WMAs, deer and hogs cannot be dismembered until checked at designated check stations. Transport of game Game may be transported only as personal baggage in numbers consistent with possession limits. Common carriers may transport lawfully taken game in packages bearing owners names and addresses, as long as they are marked to show numbers and species of game contained. It is a violation of federal law to import, export or transport in interstate commerce any package or container containing any fish or wildlife, unless it has been plainly marked, labeled and tagged with the species name, date taken, hunters name, place taken and license numbers. The head or one fully-feathered wing must remain attached to any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons, during transport until they have reached your personal abode or a preservation facility.

11 Littering It is unlawful for anyone to throw or dump trash or in any way litter highways, public lands and waters of the state or private properties (without landowner permission). Motor vehicles All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) purchased after July 1, 2002 must be titled with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. ATVs and OHMs must be titled when used for recreational purposes on lands within the state that are available for public use and that are owned, operated or managed by federal, state, county or municipal governmental entities. Applications for title may be made at county tax collectors offices. In the South Region (Everglades, Rotenberger and Holey Land WMAs), taking wildlife from tracked vehicles not in compliance with Florida Administrative Code 68A is prohibited. For more information, contact the South Region Office in West Palm Beach at (561) See specific WMA brochures for additional information concerning motor vehicles. Use of structures on vehicles In the South Region (Everglades, Rotenberger and Holey Land WMAs), taking wildlife is prohibited from conveyances having a structure capable of bearing the weight of a person if that structure is more than eight feet wide and more than six feet higher than the lowest bottom surface of such conveyances. Tree stands Using tree stands to take wildlife is permitted. Driving any metal object such as nails, screws or spikes into trees on WMAs is prohibited. Permanent duck blinds Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from or within 30 yards of any permanent blind on lakes Miccosukee, Iamonia, Jackson and Carr lakes in Leon and Jefferson counties. A permanent blind is defined as anything that provides shelter, cover or place of concealment for a person but does not include any rooted vegetation or a shelter, cover or place of concealment remaining in place only while the person is present. For additional information visit MyFWC.com/duck. Florida Buck Registry The Florida Buck Registry recognizes hunters for taking quality deer in Florida. A minimum Boone and Crockett score of 100 for typical antlers and 125 for nontypical antlers is required to qualify for the registry. To register, contact an FWC regional office. Florida s CWD watch CWD-WATCH ( ) Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a progressive fatal disease of the brain and nervous system in deer. The FWC has not found CWD in or near Florida but we must continue to be vigilant. If you see or kill a sickly, extremely skinny deer, do not touch the animal and immediately contact the FWC at CWD-Watch ( ). For more information about CWD, visit MyFWC.com/cwd. Only general wildlife management area (WMA) regulations are covered in this booklet. For specific WMA regulations, obtain individual WMA brochures published annually for each area. WMA brochures are available at FWC regional offices, county tax collectors offices, license agents or MyFWC.com/hunting.

12 Furbearer Hunting Regulations Methods of taking: Furbearers may be taken with firearms, live traps or snares and recorded game calls. Wildlife management areas: Furbearers may not be taken on WMAs unless specifically authorized by area regulations. Closed season on fox: Trapping or shooting foxes is prohibited. Foxes may not be killed but may be chased with dogs yearround. Foxes or untanned fox pelts may not be possessed, except by permit from the FWC executive director. A permit is not required when getting a road-killed fox mounted by a taxidermist. Prohibited: Minks, Everglades minks, weasels and round-tailed muskrats cannot be taken or possessed. Everglades minks reside in Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier and Hendry counties. Commercial furbearer requirements One must possess a dealer's license to engage in the buying and selling of meat from fur-bearing mammals for commercial purposes. Bobcat and otter pelts taken for commercial purposes must be tagged with an FWC seal. To obtain furbearer tags, call the fur- bearer program coordinator at (850) ext Licensed fur dealers and their agents must tag otter and bobcat pelts with official FWC tags immediately upon receipt. Tags are distributed to dealers upon request. Fur dealers are held accountable for disposition of tags and are required to return unused tags by April 15, Falconry Wildlife management area regulations can differ. Season dates: Gray squirrels and quail may be taken statewide by permitted falconers Oct. 1, 2010 March 31, Rabbits may be taken year-round. Daily bag and possession limits: Species Daily bag limit Possession limit Quail Gray squirrel Rabbit Migratory game birds may be taken and possessed by falconers only during times and within bag limits determined annually by the FWC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Migratory game bird seasons for were not established at the time this booklet went to press. For season dates, contact the Division of Hunting and Game Management at (850) or visit MyFWC.com/hunting. Detailed rules concerning falconry permits are available from the Division of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL or call (850) Florida Wild Turkey Registry Are you proud of that turkey? Receive the recognition you and your gobbler deserve. Apply for an "Outstanding Gobbler Certificate" from FWC s Wild Turkey Registry. To qualify for an Outstanding Gobbler Certificate, beards must be 11 inches or longer, measured at its protrusion from the skin to the tip of the longest bristle. Both spurs must be 1¼ inches or longer, measured at their protrusion from the skin along the outside curve to the tip. A First Gobbler Certificate also is awarded to hunters under age 16 for harvesting their first gobbler, regardless of beard and spur measurements. Applications are available at MyFWC.com/hunting.

13 Hunting Se asons and bag LimitS Florida Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits SPeCIeS Deer 1 Must have new $5 Deer Permit as well as hunting license to hunt deer. SPeCIeS FAll turkey (gobblers and bearded only) T SPeCIeS QuAil D GrAy SQuirrel D SPeCIeS SPriNG turkey (gobblers and bearded only) ZONe/ STATeWIDe Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D ZONe/ STATeWIDe Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D 4 ZONe/ STATeWIDe Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D ZONe/ STATeWIDe Zone A Zones B, C, D except Holmes County Holmes County Archery Season A July 31 Aug. 29 Antlered or antlerless deer by bow only 2 Oct. 16 Nov. 14 Antlered or antlerless deer by bow only Sept. 18 Oct. 17 Antlered or antlerless deer by bow only Oct. 23 Nov. 24 Antlered or antlerless deer by bow only Archery Season A July 31 Aug. 29 by bow only 2 Oct. 16 Nov. 14 by bow only Sept. 18 Oct. 17 by bow only Oct. 23 Nov. 24 by bow only Archery Season A July 31 Aug. 29 by bow only 2 Oct. 16 Nov. 12 by bow only Sept. 18 Oct. 17 by bow only Oct. 23 Nov. 12 by bow only SeASON DATeS Crossbow Season Muzzleloading C M Gun Season Aug. 30 Sept. 3 Antlered deer only by crossbow or bow Nov Antlered deer only by crossbow or bow Oct Antlered deer only by crossbow or bow Nov. 29 Dec. 3 Antlered deer only by crossbow or bow Sept Antlered deer only by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow Nov. 20 Dec. 3 Antlered deer only by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow Oct. 23 Nov. 5 Antlered deer only by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow Dec and Feb Antlered deer only by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow SeASON DATeS Crossbow Season Muzzleloading C M Gun Season Aug. 30 Sept. 3 by crossbow or bow only Nov by crossbow or bow only Oct by crossbow or bow only Nov. 29 Dec. 3 by crossbow or bow only Sept by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only Nov. 20 Dec. 3 by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only Oct. 23 Nov. 5 by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only Dec by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only SeASON DATeS Crossbow Season Muzzleloading C M Gun Season Aug. 30 Sept. 3 by crossbow or bow only Oct by crossbow or bow only Youth Spring Turkey Hunt 5 Feb by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols March by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols March by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Sept by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only Oct. 23 Nov. 5 by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only SeASON DATeS General Gun Season D Sept. 18 Oct. 17 and Nov. 20 Jan. 2 Antlered deer entire season; antlerless deer may be taken Nov by all legal centerfire rifles and pistols, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows and bows 3 Dec. 4 Feb. 20 Antlered deer entire season; antlerless deer may be taken Dec. 26 Jan. 1 by all legal centerfire rifles and pistols, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows and bows Nov. 6 Jan. 23 Antlered deer entire season; antlerless deer may be taken Nov by all legal centerfire rifles and pistols, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows and bows Nov and Dec. 11 Feb. 20 Antlered deer entire season; antlerless deer may be taken Dec. 26 Jan. 1 by all legal centerfire rifles and pistols, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows and bows Fall Turkey Season Oct and Nov. 20 Jan. 2 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Dec. 4 Jan. 30 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Nov. 6 Jan. 2 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Nov and Dec. 11 Jan. 16 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Quail and Gray Squirrel Season Nov. 13 March 6 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Nov. 13 March 6 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Nov. 13 March 6 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Nov. 13 March 6 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Spring Turkey Season T March 5 April 10 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols March 19 April 24 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols March 19 April 3 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols Seasons and dates do not apply to wildlife management areas. BAG LIMITS During Archery Season, daily bag limit is: 2 antlered deer or 1 antlered deer and 1 antlerless deer or 2 antlerless deer. During Antlerless Deer Season (Nov in zones A and C; Dec. 26 Jan. 1 in zones B and D), daily bag limit is: 2 antlered deer or 1 antlered deer and 1 antlerless deer. During all other seasons, daily bag limit is: 2 antlered deer, and antlerless deer may be taken by antlerless deer permit only. 1 per day BAG LIMITS 2 for all fall seasons combined BAG LIMITS Quail: 12 per day Squirrel: 12 per day 1 per day BAG LIMITS 2 for spring season 1 per season

14 SPeCIeS ZONe/ STATeWIDe SeASON DATeS BAG LIMITS rabbit Statewide year round by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols D 12 per day WilD hog bobcat DF Otter F raccoon OPOSSuM coyote beaver SkuNk NutriA Statewide Statewide Statewide year round by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols. Wild hogs also may be trapped. Hunting license not required on private property. D Dec. 1 March 1 by all Those with a hunting license may possess no more than 1 bobcat and 1 otter pelt legal rifles, shotguns, between April 1 and Nov. 30, 2011, unless pelt has FWC tag. Also, otter and bobcat muzzleloaders, pelts may not be taken out of Florida unless tagged. Bobcats may be chased with crossbows, bows and dogs year round. pistols year round by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols DF Hunting raccoons or opossums at night is allowed, but only.22-caliber rimfire firearms (other than.22-magnums) or single-shot.410-gauge shotguns (using shot not larger than size 6) may be used. Firearms may not be loaded until immediately prior to shooting raccoons or opossums. Hunting raccoons or opossums by displaying or using lights from moving vehicles, vessels or animals is prohibited. It is illegal to transport wild-trapped live raccoons within, into or from the state, except by FWC permit or authorization. No limit bobcat: No limit Otter: No limit No limit on any species Deer DOG training Zone A Aug. 14 Sept. 2 Those with a hunting license may train or toughen free-running deer dogs on private property during daylight hours, Zone B, D Oct. 30 Nov. 18 after first registering (at no cost) the tract of land with the FWC. While training, all deer dogs must have their FWCissued registration number, along with the owner s name and address on their collars. Copies of the registration Zone C Oct must be in the hunter s possession when training deer dogs. A Must have $5 Archery Season Permit as well as hunting license. It is prohibited to use bows equipped with sights or aiming devices with electronic computational capabilities or light (laser) projection during this time. C Must have $5 Crossbow Season Permit as well as hunting license. M Must have $5 Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit as well as hunting license. The only muzzleloaders that can be used during this time are those that take black powder or a non-nitrocellulose substitute and are fired by wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap or centerfire primer (including 209 primers). Muzzleloaders using smokeless powder, those that can be loaded from the breech or those with self-contained cartridge ammunition capabilities are not legal during this period. D Free-running dogs may be used for hunting but must wear collars listing the owner s name and address. When using dogs to hunt deer on private property, hunters must first register with the FWC (at no cost) the tract of land they have permission to hunt, and all deer dogs must have their FWC-issued registration number on their collars. Copies of the registration also must be in hunter s possession when using dogs to pursue deer. T Must have Turkey Permit ($10 for residents, $125 for nonresidents) as well as hunting license to hunt turkeys. F Furbearers may be taken with live traps and snares, but must have $26 Trapping License. Live traps and snares must be checked at least every 24 hours. Using or possessing steel or leg-hold traps where wildlife might be found is prohibited, unless authorized by permit from the FWC executive director. Trapping License also is required to sell hide and meat of furbearing mammals year-round, but otter and bobcat pelts may be sold to licensed fur dealers or agents from Dec. 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011 only. It is illegal to transport wild-trapped live raccoons within, into or from the state, except by FWC permit or authorization. 1 Antlered deer: Deer having at least one antler 5 or more inches in length visible above the hairline; Antlerless deer: Deer (except spotted fawns) that do not have antlers or have antlers less than 5 inches in length. It is illegal to take spotted fawns. 2 In Miami-Dade County, it is prohibited to possess a bow on an airboat during this time. 3 No antlerless deer may be taken on that portion of the eastern Everglades south of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and east of Everglades National Park; or in Collier County south of I-75 during this period. 4 In Holmes County, there is no fall harvest of turkeys 5 Only youths under 16 years old are allowed to harvest a turkey while supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. However, adult supervisors with a hunting license and turkey permit are allowed to call in the turkey and otherwise participate in the hunt, but they are not permitted to harvest one. Any turkey harvested during the Youth Spring Turkey Hunt counts toward the youth hunter s spring season limit of

15 Nongame Wildlife Regulations General Prohibitions No wildlife or their nests, eggs, young, homes or dens shall be taken, transported, stored, served, bought, sold or possessed in any manner at any time, except as specifically permitted by State of Florida rules. No one shall take, poison, store, buy, sell, possess or wantonly or willfully waste wildlife, unless specifically permitted or authorized to do so. Gasoline or any other chemical or gaseous substances used to drive wildlife from their retreats is prohibited. It is prohibited to intentionally place food or garbage, allowing the placement of food or garbage, or offering food or garbage in such a manner that it attracts black bears, foxes or raccoons and in a manner that is likely to create or creates a public nuisance. Intentional feeding of sandhill cranes is prohibited. Intentional feeding or the placement of food that attracts pelicans and modifies the natural behavior of the pelican so as to be detrimental to the survival or health of a local population is prohibited. Birds: State and federal laws protect native species of birds. Native birds may not be taken or harassed, except as described in these rules. Migratory nongame birds that cause damage to trees, crops, livestock or wildlife, or that are concentrated in such numbers that they are nuisance, may be taken with permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by calling (404) Blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds and crows can be taken without permits when they are causing damage. Unprotected birds: State and federal wildlife laws do not protect non-native birds that have become established in Florida by accidental releases or unauthorized stockings. Unprotected species include English sparrows, European starlings, rock doves (pigeons) and Muscovy ducks. If you are uncertain whether a bird is native to Florida, contact an FWC regional office (see page 4). Unprotected mammals: Armadillos, Norway rats, black rats and house mice. Frogs: Frogs can be taken throughout the year by gigs, clubs, blowguns, hook and line or manually; or by shooting during daylight hours. Licenses are not required to take frogs for noncommercial purposes. A commercial fishing license is required to sell frogs. Frog species classified as threatened or endangered may not be taken or possessed. Turtles: Freshwater turtles taken from the wild may not be sold, but freshwater turtles raised on aquaculture facilities or purchased from licensed vendors can be sold. Possession of alligator snapping turtles, Barbour's map turtles and Suwannee cooters is prohibited by rule changes that went into effect on July 20, Since possession of these species was allowed before these rule changes, individuals having them as pets before July 20, 2009 must apply for a Class III Personal Pet License to keep their pet turtles. This license only will be issued for one alligator snapping turtle and two Barbour's map turtles per person as these species had possession limits. The following species and their eggs have a possession limit of two: loggerhead musk turtles, box turtles, Escambia map turtles and Diamondback terrapins. Taking cooters, Escambia map turtles and snapping turtles from the wild is prohibited because of the similarity to Suwannee cooters, Barbour s map turtles and alligator snapping turtles, respectively. For all other freshwater turtles, take is limited to one turtle per person per day (midnight to midnight) from the wild for noncommercial use. Freshwater turtles only can be taken by hand, dip net, minnow seine or baited hook. Many freshwater turtles may be taken yearround, but softshell turtles may not be taken from the wild from May 1 to July 31. In addition, collecting of freshwater turtle eggs is prohibited. The transportation of more than one turtle per day is prohibited, unless the transporter has a Class III License for sale or exhibition of wildlife, aquaculture certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or documentation that their turtles were legally obtained (proof of purchase). Turtles and tortoise cannot be painted with the exception of turtles entered in turtle racing contests. These turtles may be marked only with water-soluble, non-toxic paints. Snakes: Florida pine snakes cannot be sold, bought or possessed for sale unless the snake is amelanistic or albino.

16 Public Hunting Areas Wildlife management areas (WMAS) NOTE: In addition to hunting licenses and related permits and management area permits, other permits or tags may be required for all or parts of a season. These requirements vary by area. For specific details on permit requirements and exemptions, consult the WMA brochure for each area you wish to hunt. They are available at FWC regional offices, county tax collectors offices, license agents or at MyFWC.com/hunting. Northwest Region 1 Apalachee: 7,952 acres in Jackson County 10 Choctawhatchee river: 57,299 acres in Bay, Holmes, Walton and Washington counties Quota permit required during general gun and spring turkey; recreational access 2 Apalachicola: 582,691 acres in Franklin, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties Quota permit required during spring turkey; recreational access 11 Econfina Creek: 36,866 acres in Bay and Washington counties Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access 3 Apalachicola Bradwell Unit: 1,420 acres in Liberty County general gun, wild hog-still, wild hog-dog and spring turkey; recreational access 4 Apalachicola River WEA: 94,320 acres in Franklin and Gulf counties mobility-impaired, general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 12 Eglin AFB: 265,000 acres in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties Landowner permit required for all hunting seasons and activities. 13 Escambia River: 34,476 acres in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties Quota permit required during wild hog-dog; recreational access 5 Aucilla: 50,475 acres in Jefferson and Taylor counties Quota permit required during general gun; recreational access allowed 6 Blackwater: 191,148 acres in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties Quota permit required during general gun, family, quail and archery/muzzleloading gun; recreational access 7 Blackwater Carr Unit: 590 acres in Santa Rosa County Specialopportunity released quail permit required. 8 Blackwater Hutton Unit: 7,629 acres in Santa Rosa County Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access 14 Flint rock: 17,139 acres in Jefferson and Wakulla counties Recreational use permit required for all hunting seasons and activities; recreational access allowed only during hunting periods. 15 Joe budd: 11,039 acres in Gadsden County Quota permit required during archery and archery/muzzleloading gun; camping allowed with landowner permit; fishing and recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. 16 L. Kirk Edwards Wea: 1,712 acres in Leon County Quota permit required during spring turkey; squirrel and waterfowl only during small game; recreational access mobilityimpaired, general gun, hog management, quail and spring turkey; recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. 9 Box-R: 11,216 acres in Franklin County general gun, wild hog-still, wild hog-dog and spring turkey; recreational access Key Archery Hog Season Muzzleloading gun Archery/Muzzleloading gun General gun Hog Dogs Deer Dogs Still Hunt Areas 17 Lafayette Creek: 3,160 acres in Walton County general gun, family and spring turkey; fishing and recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. Small game Centerfire Rifles Spring Turkey Horseback Riding Fall Turkey Hiking Trails Camping Fishing

17 18 Ochlockonee river: 2,790 acres in Leon County Quota permit required during archery/muzzleloading gun; fishing and recreational access allowed 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset. 19 Perdido river: 5,456 acres in Escambia County general gun, archery/muzzleloading gun, family and spring turkey; horseback riding allowed on designed trails; recreational access 20 Pine Log: 6,911 acres in Bay and Washington counties Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun and general gun; recreational access 21 Point Washington: 15,247 acres in Walton County Quota permit required during general gun; recreational access 22 St. Marks NWR: 68,000 acres in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties Landowner permit required for all hunting seasons; recreational access 23 St. Vincent NWR: 12,000 acres in Franklin County Landowner permit required for all hunting seasons and camping; recreational access North Central Region 31 Alligator Lake Public Small-Game Hunting Area: 484 acres in Columbia County Waterfowl area only. 32 Andrews: 3,501 acres in Levy County 24 Talquin: 3,053 acres in Leon County Quota permit required during general gun; recreational access allowed 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset. 25 Tate s Hell: 187,710 acres in Franklin and Liberty counties general gun, youth, family and spring turkey; hiking and fishing allowed with management area permit or daily-use fee, unless exempt; recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods with management area permit or daily-use fee. 33 Bayard: 9,615 acres in Clay County Quota permit required during general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 26 Tate s Hell Womack Creek Unit: 13,754 acres in Franklin and Liberty counties 27 Tyndall AFB: 22,000 acres in Bay County Quota permit required during archery, muzzleloading gun and spring turkey; tent camping only; recreational access 34 Belmore: 8,737 acres in Clay County general gun, family and spring turkey; recreational access 35 Big Bend Hickory Mound Unit: 14,427 acres in Taylor County Landowner permit required for all hunting seasons and activities. 28 Upper Chipola River: 7,377 acres in Jackson County Quota permit required during general gun; recreational access 36 Big Bend Jena Unit: 12,522 acres in Dixie County Quota permits are not required for this area; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 29 Wakulla: 4,045 acres in Wakulla County Quota permit required during archery, archery/muzzleloading gun and spring turkey 30 Yellow River: 29,674 acres in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties Quota permit required during general gun; recreational access 37 Big Bend Snipe Island Unit: 11,687 acres in Taylor County general gun and spring turkey; horseback riding allowed only during nonhunting periods; recreational access general gun and spring turkey; recreational access Archery Muzzle- Archery/Muzzle- General Small game Spring Fall Camping loading gun loading gun gun Turkey Turkey Key Hog Hog Dogs Deer Dogs Still Hunt Centerfire Horseback Hiking Fishing Season Areas Rifles Riding Trails

18 38 Big Bend Spring Creek Unit: 14,600 acres in Taylor County Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun and general gun; recreational access 39 Big Bend Tide Swamp Unit: 19,538 acres in Taylor County 50 Goethe: 48,442 acres in Levy County Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 51 Grove Park: 19,637 acres in Alachua County Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access 40 Big Shoals: 2,140 acres in Hamilton County Quota permit required during archery, muzzleloading gun and spring turkey; camping allowed only during non-hunting periods with landowner permit; recreational access 41 Camp Blanding: 56,197 acres in Clay County Recreational use permit required for all hunts and activities except on designated trails; horseback riding allowed only during non-hunting periods, except on designated trails where it is allowed year-round. 52 Gulf Hammock: 24,625 acres in Levy County Recreational use permit required for all hunts and activities; horseback riding and fishing allowed only during hunting periods. 53 Hatchet Creek: 2,760 acres in Alachua County Quota permit required during archery (except no quota needed in still hunt area), muzzleloading gun, youth, general gun and spring turkey. 42 Cary: 10,936 acres in Duval and Nassau counties general gun, family and spring turkey; recreational access 54 Holton Creek: 2,531 acres in Hamilton County general gun, family and spring turkey; recreational access 43 Cedar Key Scrub: 4,988 acres in Levy County Quota permit required during general gun; recreational access 44 Citrus: 49,317 acres in Citrus and Hernando counties general gun and spring turkey; recreational access 45 Cypress Creek: 1,328 acres in Hamilton County Quota permit required during archery, muzzleloading gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 46 Devil s Hammock: 7,635 acres in Levy County Mobility-impaired permit required for all hunts; camping allowed with landowner permit; fishing, horseback riding and recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. 55 Homosassa: 5,674 acres in Citrus County Special-opportunity permit required during spring turkey; quota permit required during archery and wild hog-still; recreational access allowed, except during spring turkey. 56 Jennings Forest: 23,995 acres in Clay County general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 57 Lafayette Forest WEA: 2,148 acres in Lafayette County wild-hog-still, family and spring turkey; recreational access allowed 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset, except during hunting periods when only hunters are allowed on the area. 58 Little River: 2,203 acres in Suwannee County general gun, family and spring turkey; camping allowed only during non-hunting periods with landowner permit; recreational access 48 Fort White WEA: 1,290 acres in Gilchrist County Quota permit required during archery and muzzleloading gun; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 59 Lochloosa: 11,149 acres in Alachua County Quota permit required during archery and spring turkey; recreational access allowed 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset. 49 Four Creeks: 13,147 acres in Nassau County general gun, family and spring turkey; recreational access Quota permit required during general gun; camping allowed with landowner permit; horseback riding allowed only during non-hunting periods; recreational access 60 Log Landing: 1,147 acres in Dixie County Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access allowed Key Archery Muzzle- Archery/Muzzle- General Small game Spring Fall Camping loading gun loading gun gun Turkey Turkey Hog Hog Dogs Deer Dogs Still Hunt Centerfire Horseback Hiking Fishing Season Areas Rifles Riding Trails

19 61 Lower Econfina River: 3,004 acres in Taylor County 70 Ralph E. Simmons: 3,630 acres in Nassau County Quota permits are not required for this area; camping allowed only during nonhunting periods with landowner permit; horseback riding allowed only during non-hunting periods; recreational access 62 Lower Suwannee NWR: 53,000 acres in Dixie and Levy counties Landowner permit required for all hunting seasons; recreational access 63 Mallory Swamp: 29,463 acres in Lafayette County Quota permit required during archery, muzzleloading gun; mobility-impaired, general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; horseback riding and recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. 71 Santa Fe Swamp WEA: 5,627 acres in Bradford County Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access 72 Steinhatchee Springs: 20,909 acres in Lafayette, Dixie and Taylor counties Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun and general gun; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 64 Middle Aucilla River: 2,261 acres in Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; horseback riding allowed only during non-hunting periods; recreational access 73 Suwannee Ridge WEA: 1,425 acres in Hamilton County general gun and spring turkey; recreational access 65 Nassau: 13,892 acres in Nassau County Recreational use permit required for all hunts and activities. 66 Osceola: 266,270 acres in Baker and Columbia counties Mobility-impaired permit required for all hunts; recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods 74 Thomas Creek Kings Road Unit: 1,753 acres in Duval County general gun, family and spring turkey; recreational access 75 Troy Springs: 1,810 acres in Lafayette County Quota permit required when deer-dog hunting; recreational access 67 PotashCorp-White Springs: 3,992 acres in Hamilton County Waterfowl area only. 68 Potts: 7,408 acres in Citrus County Quota permits are not required for this area; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 76 Twin Rivers: 9,288 acres in Madison, Hamilton and Suwannee counties general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed only during non-hunting periods with landowner permit; recreational access 77 Twin Rivers Blue Springs unit: 1,973 acres in Hamilton County wild hog-dog andspring turkey; horseback riding allowed only during nonhunting periods; recreational access 69 Raiford: 16,200 acres in Bradford and Union counties Permit required for bird-dog training; quota permit required for quail hunting; camping allowed only during non-hunting periods with landowner permit; recreational access 78 Watermelon Pond WEA: 4,231 acres in Alachua and Levy counties Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun, archery/muzzleloading gun and spring turkey; fishing allowed only during hunting periods. Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access allowed 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset. Key Archery Muzzle- Archery/Muzzle- General Small game Spring Fall Camping loading gun loading gun gun Turkey Turkey Hog Hog Dogs Deer Dogs Still Hunt Centerfire Horseback Hiking Fishing Season Areas Rifles Riding Trails

20 85 Etoniah Creek: 7,185 acres in Putnam County general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit; recreational access 86 Fort Drum: 20,858 acres in Indian River County Special-opportunity permit required for deer and spring turkey; quota permit required during wild hog-still; horseback riding and recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. 87 Fort McCoy: 8,730 acres in Marion County Recreational use permit required for all hunts and activities; recreational access allowed 88 Guana River: 9,815 acres in St. Johns County general gun and spring turkey; horse-back riding allowed only during non-hunting periods and spring turkey; recreational access 89 Half Moon: 9,480 acres in Sumter County general gun, wild hog-still and spring turkey; horseback riding only allowed during nonhunting periods and smallgame season; recreational access 90 Jumper Creek: 10,552 acres in Sumter County Northeast Region 79 Buck Lake: 9,291 acres in Brevard and Volusia counties Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun and general gun; recreational access 91 Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area: 20,360 acres in Osceola and Polk counties general gun, wild hog-still and spring turkey; camping and horseback riding allowed only during non-hunting periods; recreational access 80 Bull Creek: 23,646 acres in Osceola County Quota permits are not required for this area; camping allowed only by landowner permit; recreational access 92 Lake George: 36,933 acres in Putnam & Volusia counties Quota permit required during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun; camping allowed only during hunting periods; recreational access 81 Caravelle Ranch: 27,241 acres in Putnam and Marion counties general gun and spring turkey; recreational access 82 Charles H. Bronson: 9,754 acres in Orange & Seminole counties Quota permit required during muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit, except during general gun; recreational access 93 Lake George Dexter/Mary Farms Unit: 14,377 acres in Volusia County Quota permit required during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun; special-opportunity permit required during spring turkey; camping allowed with landowner permit and during special-opportunity spring turkey; recreational access allowed except during spring turkey. 94 Lake Monroe: 3,098 acres in Volusia & Seminole counties general gun and spring turkey; camping allowed only by landowner permit; recreational access 83 Dunns Creek: 3,184 acres in Putnam County wild hog-still and spring turkey; horseback riding and recreational access allowed only during non-hunting periods. 84 Emeralda Marsh Public Small-Game Hunting Area: 6,476 acres in Lake County Quota permits are not required for this area; recreational access 95 Lake Panasoffkee: 8,676 acres in Sumter County Special-opportunity permit required during archery and spring turkey; quota permit required during wild hog hunts; camping allowed only during hunting periods or with landowner permit; horseback riding allowed only during nonhunting periods; recreational access Waterfowl area only. Camping allowed only by landowner permit Archery Muzzle- Archery/Muzzle- General Small game Spring Turkey Fall Camping loading gun loading gun gun Turkey Key Hog Hog Dogs Deer Dogs Still Hunt Centerfire Horseback Hiking Fishing Season Areas Rifles Riding Trails